As a research intensive university, our demands for water are often high. Our water demand is likely to increase in future due to further development of the University estate and increased activity in certain areas of research, for example, those relating to or involving the use of Artificial Intelligence. As Cambridge is a water stressed area, we have a responsibility to ensure that our water use is managed effectively.

Our commitments

We’re committed to managing our water demand through efficiency measures and behaviour change. To inform our approach, we've undertaken work to identify where and why we’re using water, and opportunities for managing our use more effectively. This work is informing the development of a Water Management Plan for the University estate.

Our approach

Data and monitoring

We are using data to better understand what is driving our demand for water. This allows us to take a targeted and prioritised approach to our water management. 

We’re taking a number of steps to improve our water consumption data:

• switching to a single supplier to provide more accurate data on water consumption and wastewater,
   
• rolling out automatic meter readers on our sites that use the most water,
   
• providing access to utility management software so that all building managers can review consumption and contribute to local baselining activities

Water efficiency in our construction projects

Water efficiency measures are actively designed into all new builds and refurbishments. We require a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) certification that our major construction projects achieve at least a 40% reduction on a typical water consumption baseline.

Water use in labs

Water consumption is typically high in laboratories. Changes in operations, equipment and behaviours can lead to significant reductions in water use. The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and Local Environmental Sustainability Plans (LESPs) provide guidance to support water efficiency measures. Departments can apply to the Carbon Reduction Fund for projects to reduce water consumption in laboratories.

Our progress

Read about Our progress [under construction].